The mnemonic SIGECAPS evaluates which psychological state?

The mnemonic SIGECAPS is specifically used to assess the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. Each letter in SIGECAPS stands for a particular symptom of depression:

• S: Sleep disturbance
• I: Loss of Interest or pleasure

• G: Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
• E: Energy loss or fatigue
• C: Concentration difficulties
• A: Appetite changes (increase or decrease)
• P: Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• S: Suicidal thoughts

When clinicians use this mnemonic, they can systematically evaluate whether a person is experiencing symptoms consistent with depression. This tool is particularly useful in clinical settings to aid in diagnosing depression and understanding the severity of a patient’s condition. Other psychological states, such as anxiety, paranoia, or mania, have different sets of symptoms and would not be assessed with the SIGECAPS mnemonic. This highlights its specificity to assessing depressive symptoms rather than to other psychological disorders.